In April, 1199SEIU members at three different hospitals across Massachusetts (Boston Medical Center, North Adams Regional Hospital, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital) ratified new contracts. At all three facilities, union members had to work hard and mobilize to preserve benefits, receive wage increases, and maintain their rights on the job.



MissyDevoy.jpgBOSTON MEDICAL CENTER RNs

Nurses at Boston Medical Center negotiated a new four-year contract with several strong benefits including:

The preservation of grandfathered retirement plans, including the defined benefit plan for former Boston City Hospital nursesThe continuation of step progression over the life of the contractProtecting employees’ share of the premium (full time nurses pay 15%, part time nurses pay 30%) within the redesign of the HMO health insurance option

The bargaining committee consisted of 18 nurses (senior, junior and mid-career) and spent more than 100 hours planning and bargaining. On the heels of providing quality care to victims of the April 15 bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon in Copley Square, nurses in the bargaining unit were also able to come together to ratify the new contract.

“This was such an amazing experience to represent our members at the table. Our nurses at BMC rallied together to save our senior nurses retirement plans… I’m excited about the new areas of opportunity that will open up for all of us whether it’s retirement or gaining a new skill in another department. I look forward to the next chapter,” said Missy DeVoy (seen left), an RN in the Float Pool and a bargaining committee member.

NORTH ADAMS REGIONAL HOSPITAL

At North Adams Regional Hospital, union members voted to accept a new three-year agreement. Deb_Poplaski.jpg

The highlights include a three percent re-structured step scale and a two and a half percent bonus for those members at the top of the wage scale. A significant achievement for union members was the continuation of the 1199SEIU pension fund.



Negotiation and ratification of the contract came on the heels of the retirement of former chapter chair Mike O’Brien, who has been an active union member at NARH for more than 30 years. Though Mike’s presence was missed, 1199SEIU members rallied together to negotiate a strong contract at the facility under new chapter chair Debbi Poplaski.

“We all feel proud of the contract that 1199SEIU members have ratified and feel it is a positive outcome for workers, hospital administrators, and the patients we serve,” said Deb Poplaski (seen right), 1199SEIU chapter chair at NARH. “I was very proud of our bargaining committee members that were at the table. This was a professional and respectful round of negotiations between NARH and 1199SEIU members. We not only talked to each other, but both sides listened and heard what was being said.”

MARTHA’S VINEYARD HOSPITAL

At Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, union members voted “Yes” for a new one-year contract that provides general step increases with a three percent bonus for those at the top step, full integration of non-union workers in the dental clinic into 1199SEIU, and an agreement for increased efforts to improve communications and staff morale.

Jean Tatelbaum, a dietary aide at the hospital and member of the bargaining committee, said that while negotiations were arduous, she was satisfied with management’s agreement to provide step movement.



“Management was able to give us a three percent step increase,” she said, noting that she was pleased with management’s decision to provide wage growth during a tough financial period for the hospital.